Getting a bike painted by Joe Bell is an experience. After some negotiations, I sent him a bike in February of this year. I got it back in October. No chrome but a custom color. It cost way more than $900. This was not a bike I needed for day-to-day riding so the wait didn't really put me out and the final cost did not come as a surprise because by the time all the extras (refinishing head badge, transfers, some contrasting panels, etc.) were added in that's what it came to. Bell is organized and is a pleasure to work with. The bike is absolutely stunning. Not even in the same ball park as the bike when it was brand new. I've never seen a finish on any bike from a manufacturer, including Hetchings, Herse and Singer, that looks as good as this bike. That said, it is a substantial investment and a long process and I certainly wouldn't recommend it for a bike unless it has particular meaning for you. I have a Rambouillet which is a great bike and I ride all the time. I'm perfectly satisfied with the standard paint and when it needs refinishing, I'll probably send it to Waterford or some place that Rivendell recommends. It's a working bike and doesn't need to be stellar. GeorgeS
On Nov 5, 10:11 am, Dustin Sharp <dsh...@runbox.com> wrote: > For those of us in SD, you¹d also have to factor in the lack of shipping, > since JB is local to us. But yeah, I¹m sure the wait would be a killer. I > wonder if JB will let you put your bike in the queue and then only bring it > in once your spot actually comes up? > > D > > From: Doug Van Cleve <dvancl...@gmail.com> > Reply-To: <rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com> > Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 09:04:00 -0700 > To: <rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com> > Subject: [RBW] Re: New pics of new AHH after changing bar tape > > Esteban, > > This is a frame/fork that you already own? JB is great, no doubt, one of > the best but there are more than a few really good painters. If it is a > bike you own vs. one you're ordering from RBW, it would behoove you to check > around at least a bit. The other guys may or may not be cheaper, but they > might be faster or something else desirable. I really like Keith Anderson's > work, for instance. He seems very meticulous (not that JB isn't). > > Doug > > > > On Thu, Nov 5, 2009 at 8:47 AM, Esteban <proto...@gmail.com> wrote: > > > Dustin - you KNOW I'm thinking of paint for the Protovelo :) I just > > added in a custom color and painted head tube prices... > > > Oh, I am indeed aware of Joe Bell paint prices! haha. > > > On Nov 5, 7:13 am, Dustin Sharp <dsh...@runbox.com> wrote: > >> > Dang. Guess his prices have gone up from those listed on the website?- > >> > Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text - --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
